U.S. patent number 6,287,240 [Application Number 09/370,921] was granted by the patent office on 2001-09-11 for variable resistance treadmill for simultaneously simulating a rolling and sliding resistance, and a moving inertia.
Invention is credited to Michael J. Trabbic.
United States Patent |
6,287,240 |
Trabbic |
September 11, 2001 |
Variable resistance treadmill for simultaneously simulating a
rolling and sliding resistance, and a moving inertia
Abstract
The present invention is an exercise treadmill with included
weighted plates. The treadmill is essentially a manual treadmill in
which the user pushes or pulls on the treadmill to activate it. To
operate it, one pushes against a stationary and adjustable hand
rail or platform or pulls on a bar or body harness connected to a
cable. The walking surface is a belt track similar to conventional
treadmills but wider and longer. In such a manner, the user is
provided with a system to transfer force from arms or torso (by
pushing or pulling) to the feet, to the belt track, to the spindle
and shaft, and thereon to the weights and rollers.
Inventors: |
Trabbic; Michael J. (Fremont,
OH) |
Family
ID: |
23461738 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/370,921 |
Filed: |
August 9, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54;
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/015 (20130101); A63B 21/225 (20130101); A63B
22/02 (20130101); A63B 22/0285 (20130101); A63B
24/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
22/00 (20060101); A63B 21/00 (20060101); A63B
21/012 (20060101); A63B 21/015 (20060101); A63B
21/22 (20060101); A63B 22/02 (20060101); A63B
24/00 (20060101); A63B 022/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/51.54 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
5860894 |
January 1999 |
Dalebout et al. |
|
Primary Examiner: Richman; Glenn E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Gugliotta; John D. Corrigan;
Michael J.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document
Number 444389 filed on Sep. 18, 1998. There are no previously
filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the
world.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A variable resistance treadmill for simultaneously simulating a
rolling and sliding resistance and a moving inertia, said treadmill
comprising:
a treadmill assembly having a continuous loop tread, a frame, and
two spindles opposed spindles in communication with and driven
rotationally by said loop tread;
means to create and control friction applied to said spindles when
rotating;
means to create inertial resistance to said spindles when
rotating;
a push rail vertically affixed to a first end of said frame;
and
a pull rail vertically affixed to a second end of said frame
opposite to said first end.
2. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein said spindles are capable of
receiving and support a flywheel mass.
3. The treadmill of claim 2, wherein said flywheel mass comprises
at least one conventional Olympic weight plate or other similarly
fixed mass.
4. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein said means to create and
control friction applied to said spindles when rotating comprises a
Friction Resistance System Block having Friction Resistance System
Brake Shoes that are urged to physical impingement with an outer
surface of at least one said spindle.
5. The treadmill of claim 4, further comprising means for providing
an urging force to the Friction Resistance System Blocks.
6. The treadmill of claim 5, wherein said means for providing an
urging force is selected from the group comprising direct physical
linkage, pneumatic communication, electronic communication to
electronic solenoids, and hydraulic communication.
7. The treadmill of claim 5, further comprising a data acquisition
means for providing information feedback to the user.
8. The treadmill of claim 7, wherein said data acquisition means
further incorporates of a means to acquire and display a "power
rating", thereby providing the user with instantaneous or
aggregated reading of the power generated by the user while
performing on the present invention.
9. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein said continuous tread belt is
of continuous loop construction being made from high strength
flexible rubber-fiber matting and includes:
a textured outer surface for providing a surface for mating with
the feet of the user, and
an inner surface for non-slip mating with spindles; and said belt
being rotatably suspended there between said spindles.
10. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein said treadmill assembly
includes frame rails constructed from conventional steel
rectangular shaped channel each having a front end, a rear end, and
an elongated longitudinal axis, each said frame rails cut to
desired length from conventional length steel rectangular shaped
channel.
11. The treadmill of claim 10, wherein said treadmill assembly
further includes floor cross beams that interconnect said frame
rails near each end of said frame rail, and one floor cross beam
that interconnects said frame rail near the center, said floor
cross beams also cut to desired length from conventional length
rectangular channel and each end of said floor cross beam receiving
one floor cross beam end plate permanently welded thereto.
12. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein said treadmill assembly is
supported and raised off of the floor by a plurality of four frame
legs located one each on each end of said frame rails.
13. The treadmill of claim 4, wherein said spindles are cylindrical
in shape having two ends, dual outer surfaces located adjacent to
each of said ends, a single inner surface located between said dual
outer surfaces, and an elongated longitudinal axis, said spindles
being formed of high strength steel machined and polished on said
dual outer surfaces to a diameter for receiving conventional
Olympic size weight training plates and on said single inner
surface to a diameter for receiving and providing a non-slip mating
surface for said inner surface of said tread belt.
14. The treadmill of claim 13, wherein one said spindle is
rotatably supported on said dual outer surfaces by take-up bearings
slidably fixed inside of the hollow inner cavity of said frame
rails; and, the other said spindle is rotatably supported on said
dual outer surfaces by spindle bearings permanently affixed on the
front ends and inboard outer surface of frame rails by friction
resistance system and shaft bearing assembly bolts such that the
outer surfaces of spindle protrude through the center aperture of
said shaft bearing and continue a length past the outboard edges of
said frame rails through a circular aperture specially formed in
the front end of frame rails.
15. The treadmill of claim 14, further comprising means whereby the
tension in said tread belt can be adjusted.
16. The treadmill of claim 1, further comprising a push board
affixed to said push rail for providing a soft, durable, and safe
surface for a full range of varied hand placements and grips, and
also providing a broad surface suitable for the user to push
backwards against using their back or hips whilst using their legs
to cause tread Belt to rotate about said spindles, whereby
simulating the effort required in pushing a large, heavy object.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and,
more particularly, to a variable resistance treadmill that
simulates the resistance of pushing and pulling large objects such
as an automobile or a blocking sled.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, there are many designs for treadmills.
Treadmills are a popular way that exercise enthusiasts can enjoy a
vigorous cardiovascular workout that one would normally get from
jogging or running without having to leave the home or gym.
Typically, a continuous loop belt made from high strength rubber is
supported between two rotating spindles supported by a frame to
provide a surface where an exerciser may walk, jog, or run. Many
schemes exist where the resistance of the rotating belt is varied
according to the users desire to give an optimum workout. Many
treadmills now have modern electronics to control the resistance as
well as monitoring performance data on the user such as equivalent
distance run, speed, time, and even the heart rate of the user.
Some treadmills are even motorized to give the user a constant
speed workout. However, this significantly reduces the amount of
work required by the user to keep the belt turning.
The present invention provides the constant speed workout of a
motorized treadmill by utilizing conventional weight lifting plates
or other fixed mass placed on the ends of one of the rotating
shafts to act as a flywheel. The user can adjust the mass moment of
inertia of the belt by selecting plates or other fixed mass of
differing weight. A mechanism is placed around the shafts to
control the rolling resistance of the belt. Conventional treadmills
also are limited in the type of exercise that may be done on them.
The present invention also simulates the rolling resistance of
objects such as an automobile and pushing/sliding resistance as one
would experience in pushing a blocking sled or pulling (sprinting)
a sliding weight such as a tractor tire. This gives an exerciser
additional workout options not available on conventional
treadmills. The present invention is mostly designed from
conventional, off-the-shelf materials lending to low cost and ease
of construction.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read
directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the
following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Issue Date 5,595,556 Daleabout et al.
January 21, 1997 5,282,776 Daleabout et al. February 1, 1994
5,527,245 Daleabout et al. June 18, 1996 5,318,491 Houston June 7,
1994 5,000,440 Lynch March 19, 1991 4,687,195 Potts August 18, 1987
4,151,988 Nabinger May 1, 1979
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
improved treadmill design.
It is a main feature of the present invention to provide such a
treadmill that will provide the simulation of both a rolling
resistance and a moving mass inertia, simultaneously.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide an
improved workout for overall body and leg strength.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide an
improved workout for increased cardiovascular endurance.
It is yet another feature of the present invention to be easy to
use and require no specialized training.
It is still yet another feature of the present invention to
simulate the pushing and pulling of a varied rolling
resistance.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide for
overall body/leg strength and cardiovascular endurance without the
present, better, and optimal body posture.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a Variable Resistance
Treadmill 5 for simultaneously simulating a rolling and sliding
resistance, and a moving inertia is provided comprised of a
textured tread, frame, two spindles, friction resistance system,
push rail, a pull rail, a push board/push surface and conventional
Olympic weight training plates or other fixed mass. The Variable
Resistance Treadmill 5 will include electronic feedback to monitor
the performance of the moving tread as well as electronic variation
of the friction resistance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages and features of the present invention will become
better understood with reference to the following more detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols,
and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power mill, according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a power mill, according
to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of a power mill, according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a power mill, according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a power mill, according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view of a power mill, according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 05 Power Mill Block 10a Rear Spindle 28
Friction Resistance System 10b Front Spindle Brake Shoes 11R Frame
Rail 29 Friction Resistance System 11L Frame Rail Hydraulic Plunger
12a Floor Cross Beam 30 Friction Resistance System 12b Floor Cross
Beam Brake Shoe Pads 12c Floor Cross Beam 31L Shaft Bearing 13
Floor Cross Beam End 31R Shaft Bearing Plates 32 Friction
Resistance System 14 Frame Rail and Floor Cross and Shaft Bearing
Assembly Beams Machine Screws Bolts 15 Floor Plate 33 Friction
Resistance System 16 Plastic Floor Plate Control System 20 Leveling
Feet 41 Push and Pull Rail Quick 21 Tread Belt Release Mounting
Pins 22R Take-up End Plate 42 Pull Rail Anchors 22L Take-up End
Plate 43 Pull Rail 23 Take-up Bearing Tracks 44 Push Rail 24R
Take-up Bearing 45 Mounting Brackets 24L Take-up Bearing 46 Push
Board/Mounting Bracket 25R Take-up Adjusting Rod Modified Quick
Release Pins 25L Take-up Adjusting Rod 47 Push Board 26 Take-up
Bearing Track 48 Computer Module Machine Screws 49 Conventional
Weight Lifting 27R Friction Resistance System Plates Block 50
Mounting Bracket 27L Friction Resistance System
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms
of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the
Figures.
1. Detailed Description of the Figures
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view and an exploded
perspective view of a Power Mill 5 is shown, according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprised of a
continuous loop tread, a steel frame, two spindles, a means to
create and control friction applied to said spindles when rotating,
a user push rail and pushboard, a user pull rail, and conventional
Olympic weight plates of varying weight.
Tread Belt 21 is of continuous loop construction being made from
high strength flexible rubber-fiber matting. Tread Belt 21 has a
textured outer surface for providing a surface for mating with the
feet of the user, an inner surface for non-slip mating with
Spindles 10a and 10b, and is rotatably suspended there between said
Spindles 10a and 10b.
Frame Rails 11R and 11L are constructed from conventional steel
rectangular shaped channel each having a front end, a rear end, and
an elongated longitudinal axis. Frame rails 11R and 11L are cut to
desired length from conventional length steel rectangular shaped
channel. Floor Cross Beams 12a and 12c interconnect Frame rails 11R
and 11L near each end of said Frame Rail 11R and 11L and one Floor
Cross Beam 12b interconnects said Frame Rail 11R and 11L near the
center. Floor Cross Beams 12a, 12b, 12c are also cut to desired
length from conventional length rectangular channel. Each end of
Floor Cross Beam 12a, 12b, and 12c receives one Floor Cross Beam
End Plate 13 which is permanently welded thereto. Floor Cross Beam
End Plates 13 are drilled and tapped for receiving Frame Rail and
Floor Cross Beam Machine Screws 14. Floor Cross Beam 12a, 12b and
12c are also drilled and tapped on their upper surfaces for
receiving Floor Plate Machine Screws 17 for securing Floor Plate 15
to the upper surface of said Floor Cross Beam 12a, 12b, and 12c and
Plastic Floor Plate 16 to the upper surface of said Floor Plate
15.
Providing support and raising the completed frame assembly off of
the floor are a plurality of four Frame Legs 18 located one each on
each end of said Frame Rails 11R and 11L. Welded to one end of each
of said Frame Legs 18 is Frame Leg End Plate 19 for permanently
receiving one of a plurality of four Leveling Feet 20. Leveling
Feet 20 have a base at one end for resting on the floor surface
connected to a threaded shaft that is threaded into a threaded
aperture in said Frame Leg End Plate 19. The other end of Frame Leg
19 is permanently welded to the lower surface on one of the ends of
Frame Rail 11R and 11L. By wrenching said Leveling Feet 20, the
user may adjust the height of the Power Mill 5 off of the floor as
desired. In an alternate preferred embodiment, said leveling feet
may be replaced by a plurality of locking wheels to give the
Variable Resistance Treadmill added mobility.
Spindles 10a and 10b are cylindrical in shape having two ends, dual
outer surfaces located adjacent to each of said ends, a single
inner surface located between said dual outer surfaces, and an
elongated longitudinal axis. Said Spindles 11a and 11b are made
from high strength steel machined and polished on said dual outer
surfaces to a diameter for receiving conventional Olympic size
weight training plates or other similarly fixed mass and on said
single inner surface to a diameter for receiving and providing a
non-slip mating surface for said inner surface of said Tread Belt
21. Spindle 10b is rotatably supported on said dual outer surfaces
by Take-Up Bearings 24R and 24L slidably fixed inside of the hollow
inner cavity of Frame Rails 11R and 11L near their respective rear
ends. Spindle 10a is rotatably supported on said dual outer
surfaces by Spindle Bearing 31a and 31b permanently affixed on the
front ends and inboard outer surface of Frame Rails 11R and 11L by
Friction Resistance System and Shaft Bearing Assembly Bolts 32.
The outer surfaces of Spindle 10b protrude through the center
aperture of said Take-Up Bearing 24R and 24L and continue a length
past the outboard edges of said Frame Rails 11R and 11L through an
elongated semi-circular aperture specially formed in the rear end
of Frame Rails 11R and 11L for receiving conventional Olympic
weight plates or other similarly fixed mass as heretofore
described. Conventional means (not shown) to affix said weight
plates or fixed mass to said spindle are contemplated such as
conventional spanner nut type collars to ensure said weights or
similarly fixed mass rotate with said spindle. Similarly, the outer
surfaces of Spindle 10a protrude through the center aperture of
said Shaft Bearing 31R and 31L and continue a length past the
outboard edges of said Frame Rails 11R and 11L through a circular
aperture specially formed in the front end of Frame Rails 11R and
11L for receiving conventional Olympic weight plates or other
similarly fixed mass as heretofore described. The inner surfaces of
said Spindles 10a and 10b are made to a length to fit inboard of
Frame Rails 11R and 11L with enough room left to allow free
rotation of said Spindles 10a and 10b.
Take-up Bearing Tracks 23R, 23L are constructed of solid steel,
with two rails fabricated on each end in a parallel, cantilevered
manner from each Take-up end plate 22R, 22L. Each Track 23R and 23L
is design to interface with a conventional U-shaped channel within
the Take-up Bearing 24R, 24L. Two of said tracks are welded to one
side of Take-up end plate 22R and 22L, with the open side of the
U-channels facing each other, to form a cavity where Take-up
Bearing 24R and 24L may be slidably received. The resulting
assembly is then inserted into the hollow cavity in the rear end of
Frame Rail 11R and 11L providing a means whereby Spindle 10b is
positioned by and free to spin within said Take-up Bearing 24R and
24L. Take-up Adjusting Rod 25L and 25R is threaded about its
elongated longitudinal axis and received by a threaded aperture
formed in Take -Up End Plate 22R and 22L for providing a means
whereby the tension in Tread Belt 21 may be adjusted. One end of
Take Adjusting Rod 25R and 25L is a conventional hex head for
receiving a conventional wrench for turning and the other end has
starting threads to be received by a threaded aperture formed in
Take-up Bearing 24R and 24L. In this manner, Take-up bearing 24R
and 24L is forced to slidably traverse within said Take-Up Bearing
Tracks 23 by the user wrenching the hex end of said Take-Up
Adjusting Rod 25R and 25L until the proper tension is reached in
Tread Belt 21.
Friction Resistance System Block 27R and 27L are received within
the front of the side rails 11R, 11L in a multi-step manner. First,
each Stationary Bearing 31L, 31R is slid into the cavity within the
front of the side rail, and placed partially protruding through the
sidewall thereof through an orifice designed to receive the
bearing. Next, a Friction Resistance System Block 27L, 27R is slid
in behind the Bearing 31L, 31R, thereby being impinged between the
Bearing and the opposing rail sidewall. Finally, the resulting
assembly is then bolted with the front end of Frame Rail 11R and
11L with the outer surface of Spindle 10a passing through an
aperture formed in the center of said blocks 27R and 27L and an
aperture formed on the sides of said Frame Rail 11R and 11L at the
front end.
Friction Resistance system Brake Shoes 28R and 28L are slidably
fitted within an inside cavity on the interior of said Friction
Resistance Block 27R and 27L with one edge curved and contoured to
the outer surface of said Spindle 10a. Friction Resistance System
Brake Shoe Pad 30 are then fitted and bonded to said contour. A
cavity on the opposite side slidably receives another Brake Shoe 28
and Brake Shoe Pad 30R bonded thereto contoured to the radius of
Spindle 10a. A spring contacting the outer surface of Brake Shoe 28
and biased against the wall of said cavity keeps the inner surface
of Brake Shoe 28 and Brake Shoe Pad 30 away from the outer surface
of said Spindle 10a. The purpose of Brake Shoes 28 and Brake Shoe
Pad 30 bonded thereto is to create friction according to the user's
desire. The other side of Friction Resistance System Block 27R and
27L is in communication with and urged by a friction control means.
It is envisioned that, as with most currently available exercise
equipment, various types of mechanisms can be incorporated for
providing an urging force to the Friction Resistance System Blocks
27R, 27L. By way of example, and not meant as a limitation, such
types can include a direct physical link, pneumatic communication,
hydraulic communication, or the like. For purposes of teaching the
benefits of the present invention it is felt that the type of
friction control means is not important, and for purposes of
disclosure can be assumed to be any such means currently available
within or modified from the relevant art. As such, it is also
envisioned that a data acquisition means, of the type currently
known within the art, can also be incorporated therein to provide
information feedback to the user in a mechanical or electronic,
analog or digital format. What is anticipated as being new to the
art, however, would be the incorporation of a means to acquire and
display a "power rating", thereby providing the user with
instantaneous or aggregated reading of the power generated by the
user while performing on the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a front view and side view of a
Power Mill 5 is shown, according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Push Board 46 provides a soft, durable, and safe
surface for a full range of varied hand placements and grips. It
also provides a broad surface suitable for the user to push
backwards against using their back or hips whilst using their legs
to cause Tread Belt 21 to rotate about Spindles 10a and 10b,
simulating the effort required in pushing a large object such as a
car or small truck. Once the belt is rotating, conventional Olympic
weight lifting plates placed on the protruding ends of Spindles 10a
and 10b act as a flywheel giving the belt a more constant speed
once the user has gotten the belt in motion. Push board 21 is
constructed of a lightweight frame and backing board coated with a
high density foam that is sealed with a tough rubberized material.
Push Board 47 is mounted on Push Rail 44 via Quick Release Pins 46
protruding through a pair of holes drilled in said Push Board 47, a
mounting bracket 45 attached thereto, and holes in the Push Rail 44
tubing. In an alternate preferred embodiment, a simple clamping
means may be utilized to mount said Push Board 47 on Push Rail 44.
Push Rail 44 is made from conventional steel tubing bent and formed
to desired shape. A plurality of holes located in the vertical
riser portion of said Push Rail 44 allow the user to adjust the
height of said Push Board 47. Push Rail 44 is mounted to Frame
Rails 11R and 11L via Mounting Brackets 50 welded to said Frame
Rails 11R and 11L for receiving the bottom tubing ends of Push Rail
44 and secured thereto via Push/Pull Rail Quick Release Mounting
Pins 41. Pull Rail 43 is located at the rear end of Push Mill 5
attached to Frame Rails 11R and 11L via Push/Pull Rail Quick
Release Mounting Pins 41 and Mounting Bracket 50. Pull Rail 43
provides heavy duty anchoring for pulling a cable hook-up for
optional gym accessories such as a straight triceps bar, lat-pull
down bar, triangle bars, cable cross-over handles, ropes, body
harness, etc. Pull Rail 43 is two arched frame supports joined by
three cross members. Each cross member has a heavy duty pulling
eyelet for securing the cable hook-up. Each cross member provides a
different anchoring level for the pulling cable option allowing for
varying pull angle and user body heights. In this manner, the
simulating of pulling a heavy object can be accomplished.
Referring now to FIG. 5 and 6, a rear view and a top view of a
Power Mill 5 is shown, according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The detail of the plurality of apertures for
adjusting the Push Board 47 to various heights according to user
desire is shown. Also shown is the outer surfaces of Spindle 10a
protruding outboard of Frame Rail 11R and 11L for receiving
conventional Olympic weight lifting plates or other similarly fixed
mass.
The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation
of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of
the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *